"I believe that every creature on this earth, every one of God's creatures, was created equal," Deen said, denying claims of racism. "I believe that everyone ought to be treated equal."

"I've had to hold friends in my arms while they've sobbed," Deen said, crying herself. "Because they know what's being said about me — it's not true. And I'm having to comfort them, and tell them it's going to be all right. If God got us to it, he'll get us through it."

The accusations stem from a deposition the TV cook gave in a sexual harassment lawsuit in which she and her brother stand accused of committing multiple acts of racism, violence and discrimination resulting in the end of former restaurant manager Lisa T. Jackson's five-year tenure at Uncle Bubba's Oyster House and Deen's Lady & Sons. "There's someone evil out there that saw what I had worked for and they wanted it," Deen said, stopping short of naming Jackson.

Yet Deen does not regret telling the truth in her deposition. "No. Because there's a couple of kinds of people that I don't like, that I am prejudiced against: ... thieves and liars."

"I've had wonderful support from Rev. [Jesse] Jackson, and I tell ya what: If there's anyone out there that has never said something that they wish they could take back, if you're out there, please pick up that stone and throw it so hard at my head that it kills me," she cried. "Please — I want to meet you."